An ice dam consists of a ridge or section of ice that forms along the edge of a roof. This can prevent melting snow from draining off the roof. An ice dam can cause a lot of problems for your home because it causes backed-up water to seep under shingles and into the roof, walls and insulation. Before you know it, ice dams can affect the structural integrity of your home at various points, leading to expensive home repairs.
How an Ice Dam Forms
A common problem on sloping roofs in cold climates, ice dams quickly form on poorly insulated roofs as snow falls and temperatures drop. Heat from inside the home rises into the attic, melting snow on the upper slope of the roof. The snowmelt runs down to the colder eaves, where it will eventually refreeze and create a dam of ice. As water continues to flow down the roof, it backs up behind the dam and may infiltrate the roof, walls and insulation.
Causes of Ice Dams
Ice damming is most often the result of insufficient attic insulation and ventilation where heat escapes into the attic. This problem will keep redeveloping throughout the winter season if the underlying problem of inadequate ventilation and insulation is not addressed. To combat the formation of ice dams, homeowners can turn to gutter protection systems paired with a self-regulating heating device that keeps ice and snow from building up around the edges of a roof.
Helmet Heat®: Your Solution to Ice Damming
At Gutter Helmet®, we have patented our own self-regulating heating cable called Helmet Heat®. Helmet Heat, a companion to Gutter Helmet, can be installed inside a Gutter Helmet system to prevent the build-up of snow, icicles and ice dams in your home’s gutters.
Avoid the stress of combating heavy ice formation that often occurs overnight when you have Helmet Heat installed. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a self-regulating, energy-efficient system that does not require constant maintenance or monitoring.
How Does Helmet Heat® Work?
Helmet Heat is a self-regulating deicing cable that fits inside the patented Gutter Helmet bracket system. It gently warms the Gutter Helmet panels, thus effectively preventing both snow and ice from accumulating along the eaves, gutters and in the downspouts. Without a buildup of ice, snow melts and flows unimpeded into your gutters and through the downspouts without obstruction or delays. Damage is quickly averted, leading to lower home maintenance costs as well.
Get in Touch with a Dealer Near You
Get a quote today or call us at (800) 824-3772 to schedule a gutter guard installation by a certified Gutter Helmet dealer in your area.
